The New Saints boss Scott Ruscoe says he will be looking for his side to build a consistent set of results over the early stages of their Welsh Premier League title defence.

TNS started their 2019/20 campaign with a home win over Caernarfon Town on Sunday, courtesy of a Ryan Brobbel finish, and will be looking for more of the same when they travel to face Bala Town on Friday.

Ruscoe believes his side will come up against a much fresher and faster outfit than last time out, but hopes his side will be ready for the challenge.

“Bala are always a tough test for us,” said Ruscoe.

“We went to see them on Friday night against Airbus and they had a lot more about them.

“They had more energy, they had a lot more legs in the team and they’ve got two new wingers in the team. They’ve signed good forward players so we’re going to have to be a lot better than on Sunday.

“I think it will be smart to get a settled side now and make sure we put some performances together and not have any slip-ups. That’s what we’ll be talking about.

“It’s about consistent results that build into performances. We’ve got some good games coming up; we have the League Cup to play, we have the Tunnocks Cup game to play so the lads will get game time.

“With the league games, you want to have a settled side.”

After a 4-0 reverse – 9-0 on aggregate – against Ludogorets Razgrad in the Europa League third qualifying round second leg at Wrexham’s Racecourse Ground on Thursday, Saints had only a few days on the training pitch to prepare for Sunday.

And Ruscoe admits the quick turnaround told in their performance, and admits there is work to be done in the coming weeks, but also insists he was happy to get the three points in the end.

“Sunday was about getting the three points, more importantly,” said Ruscoe.

“I knew what the reaction from Thursday would be, a little bit of tiredness and if we got the three points and moved onto the second game, I’d have been happy.

“Performance-wise, there’s a few things we need to work on. We have the ball away a lot and Caernarfon had a lot of chances – probably more than three or four teams put together at the back end of last season.

“I’m not happy with that but sometimes when you get a result and don’t play well, then I’m not too disheartened.”

Saints clash with Bala at Maes Tegid kicks off at 7.45pm on Friday night.